Assyrian village selected as Best Tourism Village by UN body

The Assyrian village of Hah (Turkish imposed name: Anitli) has been selected as one of best tourism villages in a contest with over 270 applications from 65 UN Tourism Member States. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in Huzhou City, China on 17 October, 2025.

The Best Tourism Villages by the UN Tourism Initiative is a global endeavor to highlight those villages where tourism preserves cultures and traditions, celebrates diversity, provides opportunities and safeguards biodiversity.

In the presentation of Hah, the UN body describes the Assyrian village as a place where travelers can immerse themselves in the living spirit of Mesopotamia: "Tucked away on the legendary plateaus of Tur Abdin, Anıtlı is Southeastern Türkiye’s best-kept secret–a breathtaking blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. This enchanting Assyrian village in Midyat invites travelers to immerse themselves in the living spirit of Mesopotamia. Home to the majestic Virgin Mary Church, where spirituality and history intertwine, Anıtlı offers a unique opportunity to stay within its sacred walls or in traditional Assyrian homes, sharing homemade meals and artisanal crafts. The village’s cultural pride is exemplified by Türkiye’s first Assyrian Library, opened in 2023, which preserves the community’s rich language and traditions. A pioneer in eco-tourism, Anıtlı’s Zero Waste & Eco-Village Project promotes eco-agriculture, artisanal crafts, and farm-to-table dining, supported by green facilities and expert-led training. Its culturally enriched walking trails connect heritage sites like sacred springs, monasteries, and rock carvings, fostering reflective engagement. Anıtlı embodies a harmonious balance of spiritual heritage, ecological responsibility, and community-driven tourism, offering an authentic journey into a timeless world."

UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. In total 52 villages from all regions - Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East - received the Best Tourism Villages recognition in this year's edition.

A uniquely beautiful village

Hah is an ancient Assyrian village located in the Tur Abdin Region, today part of southeastern Turkey. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Assyrian villages in the area and has been a spiritual and cultural center for centuries.

The village is best known for its historic monastery, Mor Sobo Monastery, which dates back to the 6th century and remains a key religious site for the Assyrians. Hah sits on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding plains, with traditional stone houses and narrow pathways that reflect its ancient character.

Although its population has declined due to migration, it is still inhabited by around 60 Assyrian families today, and visited by Assyrians from the diaspora, especially during religious feasts and pilgrimages.

Among its landmarks is the Virgin Mary Church, one of the oldest churches in Christian history. Assyrian tablets dating back to the 9th century BC are believed to mention the city of Hah which had become part of Assyrian territory already in ancient times. It is believed that the people of Hah accepted Christianity very early on and was the seat of a Bishop already in the 4th century. The bishop at Hah presided over all the Tur Abdin until the region was split and the Monastery of Mor Gabriel also gained a Bishop.

Earlier this year, the village was recognized as one of the Tur Abdin Region’s three most beautiful villages by a Turkish news outlet.